I'm super excited with how the race went today! It was a great step in terms of my progress. However, it may be one of the more painful races that I have run. I woke up at 2:30 and thought, "The hardest part of the day is over. Getting out of bed." I got ready for the race and fed the baby. At 4 a.m I was on the bus wondering why I was doing this, and wondering if it was too late to switch to the 10k. 5 a.m: Sitting in the middle of a dark canyon and wondering again why I was doing this. I warmed up with a mile up the canyon and back to the start. That was actually pretty incredible. It was beautiful up there. Of course, that was the last time I actually looked at the scenery. I got out comfortably, but got a little nervous when the first mile said 5:27. But, I thought I would roll with it and use the downhill to my advantage. Mile splits: 5:27, 5:42, 5:39, 5:37, 5:38, 5:31, 5:32, 6:06 (no more downhill,) 5:46.(back on!), 6:00.19 (feeling pain!), 6:13 (wheels came off. holding on for dear life.) 13: 12 (last 2.1) I was so happy to be done, and so happy not to get caught in the very long march to the finish line! I'm thrilled with my time. I conservatively wanted to run under 1:20. Of course, I'm so happy with the win. And, I learned that if I go out too hard at St. George, I'm going to be in a world of hurt. The last 3 miles were horrible today! I tried to cool down, but my 4 lovely blisters wouldn't let me. Later I did about a mile of a hobble-jog. I think I will be cross training tomorrow! | 